PorKen

I just removed my headliner to reinforce the droopy center section and clean/regrease the slow sunroof action.

With aluminum doors, fenders, and hood, couldn't they have made the sunroof bits lightweight too?

All the sunroof parts are thick steel, even the headliner plate and the wind deflector!

Has anyone succeeded in making a lightweight replacement?!

Note - on my headliner there were two extra screws in the corners of the plastic ring around the opening, accessible only after pulling back the vinyl from under the guides!

Also - for those considering removing the headliner: the finish trim around the sunroof opening is stapled to the headliner! Don't try and pry it lose like my car's PO, breaking the plastic ring in the process. The vinyl or leather must be peeled back from under the sunroof guides first.

Previous posts along this vein:
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=003561#000000" target="_blank">deleting the sunroof?</a>
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=003358#000000" target="_blank">Sunroof Replacement?</a>

BC

Do you see the structure of that sunroof panel as something that could be replicated in Carbon Fiber? I have not taken mine out, but I think that there is quite a bit of weight up there to be removed. Weight UP THERE is equal to MORE weight down by the floor!

PorKen

Most parts could be replaced with aluminum bar stock, carbon fiber would be sweet, overkill(?).

I will post some pics, with some weight values.

You would not believe how much the sunroof panel itself weighs... (Notably heavier than a 15lb bag of potatoes used as a quick reference!)

I've been thinking about a simple aluminum frame with an acrylic sheet over it. This would bolt down in the hole with a factory rear drip rail and seal. The sliding tracks/motor would be removed.

Now that I think about it, it would not be too difficult just to mold the panel in fiberglass, if you wanted to keep it moveable... Hmmm...

You could use a flexible shaft and put the motor down by the fender well...

Flint

Anyone try and replace it with a clear panel? I've seen aftermarket, cut-out, drop-in ones, just not a direct replacement.

Not sure how I feel about a permanent moon-roof personally, just curious if anyone's tried it.

Brittany Chen Li

Who makes a aftermarket sun roof that will fit? It would be nice to have a large removable panel! Post pics of the roof and sun roof apart please.
Thanks Brittany